Thyme for Tea?

Organic herbs can be used to make refreshing, soothing, relaxing or even invigorating teas, many of which have the added benefit of having therapeutic qualities. At the Green Seed Company we're particularly partial to, no, not green tea (far too predictable!), but a cup or 2 of chamomile tea, enjoyed in the warm summer afternoons, ah bliss ....

As a general guide, allow around one teaspoon of dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs per cup,(1 tablespoon of dried or 2 tablespoons of fresh for an average sized tea pot) pour over boiled water and steep for around 5 minutes. Bruising the leaves of fresh herbs beforehand can help to release the flavours of more delicate varieties.

Mr Green prefers to use disposable tea filters (see our special offer below), made with unbleached tea bag paper, which allow him to stop the infusion at precisely the right time, there's no need for straining (we all know Mr Green doesn't like to strain himself!) and the used bag and contents can be chucked straight onto the compost heap. Sometimes the used tea bag has even been known to make a detour via a relaxing bath before reaching its final destination!

Some herbal teas to try include thyme (possibly sweetened with honey) to promote sleep, peppermint to aid indigestion and improve appetite, lemon balm 'Melissa' tea as a remedy for headaches and tiredness, sage, for coughs and colds, basil, to relieve nausia, parsley as a diruetic and to relieve rheumatic pain, and chamomile (made with the flowers only) for a soothing, pleasant pick-me-up.

Alternatively, try some deliciously refreshing iced teas, make some peppermint milk for an alternative nightcap or simply add your favourite herb to traditional tea leaves. Experiment by combining several herbs or by adding honey or lemon juice. Don't forget the leaves of other fruit plants such as strawberries or raspberries make delicious infusions too.

Special offer: Buy 6 or more packets of herb seeds from Green Seed Company between now and 30th June 2010 and we'll send you 6 disposable tea filters free of charge.